It receives inputs from many areas of the brain [3], including the basal gangla to which it projects with the exception of the substantia nigra pars compacta to which it projects but does not receive, while it receives but does not project to the substantia nigra pars reticulata.[1][2]

The PPN is involved in many functions, including arousal, attention, learning, reward, and voluntary limb movements and locomotion.[4] While once thought important to the initiation of movement, recent research suggests a role in providing sensory feedback to the cerebral cortex.[4] It is also implicated in the generation and maintenance of REM sleep.